England winger Jason Robinson, watched by Lions selectors John O'Driscoll and John Rutherford, starred in this English Premiership tie at Heywood Road. Sale led 30-8 at half-time - a well-worked try from Nnamdi Ezulike and a Barry Everitt penalty had been the only Irish scores. The home team had tries from Pete Anglesea, Steve Davidson, Andy Titterrell and Steve Hanley, while Charlie Hodgson landed two penalties and two conversions.

Everitt kicked a penalty for Irish in the new half, and converted Neal Hatley's try, but Robinson and Davidson then crossed and Niki Little had a penalty.